Monthly Archives: July 2012

The Oregon Coast is a priceless treasure. It is sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and gigantic sand dunes. The Pacific Ocean provides crashing waves, beautiful sunsets, recreational spaces, and a variety of seafood. However, a controversy is growing – should Oregon devote its coast to the production of wave energy?

Oregonians love spending time at the coast. We flock there on weekends, causing traffic jams on Highways 26 and 101. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy our coast. Since 2004, when a 1% hotel occupancy tax went into effect to fund Travel Oregon, the state tourism commission, Oregon has gone from 47th in the nation to 26th for tourism budgets. There are so many international visitors that Lincoln City put up banners that say “Welcome” in Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

A sample wave energy device that may be deployed off the coasts of Oregon.

Quietly, a new industry has been growing that may have dramatic impact on the Oregon Coast.
A whole group of agencies and non-profits have grown up since 2000: The Oregon Wave Energy Trust, the Oregon Innovation Council, Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (a cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the University of Washington), Pacific Marine Energy Center, the Ocean Policy Advisory Council, and many others. More than $15 million has been spent on developing wave energy since 2006. These diverse enterprises are working toward building wave energy converters off the Oregon Coast.

The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center wants a piece of ocean one square mile in size, two miles northwest of Yaquina Head. Aquamarine Power applied for the use of 7,000 acres along the Oregon coast in order to discover what might be the best location for a converter, which is 70 feet deep by 1,400 feet long and rises over three stories above the ocean.

Ocean Power Technologies has plans for several sites, the first of which is already under construction off Reedsport. Located 2 ½ miles off the coast, it will contain ten PowerBuoys, an underwater substation, and a submarine cable to deliver power to the Pacific Northwest electric grid. The projection is that this will produce enough power to supply 375 homes (4,140 MegaWatt-hours/year). The buoy will be 140 feet long and 40 feet wide, with a 30-foot float.

Pressure to find alternative sources of energy come from many sources. Two of these are the fact that Oregon’s Renewable Energy Action Plan calls for 25% of the energy used in the state be from renewable sources by 2025, and another is the fact that the price of oil continues to escalate.

Wave energy conversion is in its infancy; regulations, permits, and policies are just being developed. Knowledge of how it will impact the environment is limited. There are concerns that the electromagnetic fields of the converters will disorient migratory birds and animals. What effect will the converters have on housing and tourism? How will the converters effect fishing, clamming, and crabbing. Those in favor of wave energy conversion are pushing to make the process move more quickly. Diverse opposing groups are trying to slow process to allow time for a more orderly progression.

There is no agreement at this point on where the converters will be placed. Just as the companies that want to place converters off the coast are scrambling to get their claims staked, counties and cities on the coast are struggling to evaluate and rank which sites should be protected. Oregon State University has produced a territorial sea map that concluded that only two percent of the coastal waters are available for wave energy conversion use. The rest of the coastline is used for fishing or has environmental protections.

Wave energy converters will mar the views along the Oregon Coast. Oregonians need to decide quickly, where and how many of these converters we want alone our coast, or if we want them at all.Article written by Mary Boyer

If you are looking for a great local guide in Garibaldi Oregon to fish the bay or ocean than you need to give Johnny Bowles a call and see if there is availability during the time you are looking to go fishing. I had the pleasure of fishing with him for Spring Chinook this past spring and it was an excellent day on the water. He makes the day fun and will teach you a lot about how to catch fish from this awesome fishery. We started off by tossing a few crab pots in the ocean and then got to fishing, using herring to target Spring Chinook salmon. The fishing was a little tough the day I went, but we did still get into a few fish and I lucked out with one of the biters landing on my rod, which resulted in a nice Spring chinook. He worked hard all day to give us the best opportunities to catch fish as possible, which is what you want in a guide, one that doesn’t give up and start just going through the motions when it is a tough day. Johnny fishes for salmon in the bay and ocean and also does halibut, bottom fish, and tuna trips depending on the seasons, his website also states he fishes some of the local coastal rivers for salmon and steelhead. He runs a beautiful Proline boat that can accommodate several people and takes the bar crossings well.

Tillamook bay is a wonderful fishery and with the Pacific ocean close by the options are pretty wide open for anglers looking to have a good time any time of the year and JB is defiantly one of the guys that has this place dialed. I look forward to getting out and fishing with him again in the future.

The Siuslaw National Forest on the central Oregon coast holds many treasures. Just two miles south of Yachats, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is one of the finest.

At Cape Perpetua the shore is rugged and the ocean wild. As the ocean crashes on rocky shore it produces awe inducing sights. The Devil’s Churn and spouting horns here will amaze you. As the waves reach the end of the Devil’s Churn, they can spray water several hundred feet into the air. When the ocean is forced up through holes in the rocks they become spouting horns, shooting water high into the air. Remember to be extremely cautious here as it can be very dangerous.

Native Americans gathered clams, mussels, crabs, and sea urchins for about 6,000 years. Huge piles of discarded shells are scattered along the shore near the Visitors Center. They remind us that others were here before we came.

The area away from the ocean includes a Visitors Center can provide you with maps that will guide you along the eleven different trails and a total length of 27 miles. The wheelchair accessible Captain Cook Trail will lead you from the Visitor Center to edge of the shoreline. You can hike as long as you like through the forest of giant Sitka Spruce and ferns. Sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended for hiking here.

On Saturdays July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 25, and Sept. 1st, U.S. Forest Service field rangers will be available to take you on an EcoTrek. These hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderately difficult and last about two hours. The field rangers provide an in-depth experience on topics such as cultural history and coastal rain forest ecology.

At low tide, you can explore the tide pools. Existence in these pools is difficult with waves crashing endlessly over the creatures that live here, but anemones, crabs and stars thrive. Kelp, seaweed, algae, sea lettuce and moss, and a variety of other plants grow in abundance.

Camping is available at Washburne State Park Campground. You can rent a yurt; bring your own tent, trailer, or RV. You can listen to the ocean as you fall asleep. If you are lucky an elk may wander through while you are there.

Near the top of the cape is a curious looking stone building. It looks like something that might have been built in prehistoric times. In reality however, it was built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The shelter was used during World War II as an observation station looking for enemy boats or aircraft. Radar and a large coastal defense gun were briefly set up near the shelter. The Civilian Conservation Corps They also built some of the trails found in the park as well as Washburne State Park Campground.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area includes an enormous number of things to see and do. This tiny dot in the Siuslaw National Forest will make a huge impact on you.Article written by Mary Boyer

One in five people who live in Florence is a veteran of some type of military service. A newcomer to Florence is the Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum

In the course of establishing a Veteran’s Day Parade, Cal Applebee realized that approximately 1,300 World War II veterans are dying each day, and that number does not include Korean War, Viet Nam War, Iraqi War or Afghan War veterans. He began wondering what would become of all the artifacts and mementos they left behind. Not only that, but their stories would be left untold. These musings inspired a group of local veterans to lay the groundwork for the museum. The fact that an astonishing 21% of the residents of Florence are veterans makes this the ideal location for the museum.

This dedicated group of volunteers is working hard to make their dream a reality. They have struggled to raise money (they are a 501C organization) for the construction of the museum, which will be located near the Florence airport. They are very frugal, getting materials and labor donated, and even getting the Oregon legislature to allocate $41,000, to help with fees, permits, and to bring electricity to the site. The land for the museum is being leased from the city of Florence. They have held several fundraising events, such as concerts by Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble, Remembrance Bricks purchased in memory of a veteran, and having people ‘buy’ parts of their building.

The two main goals of the museum are honoring veterans and educating the public. The group is not waiting for the official building to open; they are going ahead with achieving their goals. The Freedom Remembrance Wall and memorials to several solders are already in place. They have displays that include old rifles, posters, radio equipment, and authentic Nazi propaganda postcards with pictures of Hitler on them. The group is also attending events with vehicles and displays and trying to educate the general public.

Group members have been surprised by how little the youth at the events they have attended know about U.S. history and the military. They want young people to know about the sacrifices that have been made to make America what it is today. The volunteers feel that sharing the oral histories they are gathering with young people will help them understand their history better.

The group’s website at http://www.kilroycorps.com/ contains an enormous amount of information. The story about how the idea for the museum got started, a slide show of the dedication of Remembrance Wall, archives of all the group’s newsletters, and a collection of articles about the military, the involvement of the military in Oregon, and much, much more. You can learn a great deal by visiting the website. However, don’t wait for the building’s construction to be complete. You can visit the museum in its temporary house in an airplane hangar at the Florence Airport.

The construction of the buildings for the museum and gift shop is nearing completion. The Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum is a reality.Article written by Mary Boyer

Florence snuggles between the Siuslaw River to the west and south and the North Fork of the Siuslaw River to the east. The northwest corner of Florence meets the Pacific Ocean. Florence has a little of everything.

Slightly to the north of Florence you will find Sea Lion Caves. Several varieties of birds and the sea lions make their home in these sea caves. The huge cave is filled with sounds from the sea lions, the birds, and rhythm of the waves. You may well want to cover your ears to block some of the noise.

A little farther south is beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Oregon. It towers 56 feet above the top of Heceta Head, which is 205 feet above the ocean. The automated light installed in 1894, is still the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. It can be seen 21 miles from the coast. The lighthouse is currently closed for renovations, but it still a great place to stop and enjoy the view or hike in the area. You can also see how many of the over 450 different birds identified in the area you can spot.

Old Town Florence has the charm and friendliness of by gone days. The streets are lined with beautiful flower boxes, benches and the Old Town Gazebo for resting and enjoying the sites, and charming shops with unique merchandise to peruse. Browse the art galleries, gift shops, and be sure to check out Nan’s White Rabbit Cottage. Nana’s has a constantly changing inventory of antiques, glassware, ironwork, linens, china, jewelry, candles, and other unique gift items.

Since Florence borders both on the ocean and the Siuslaw River, so you can enjoy water sports such as fishing in either place. Florence’s beaches are great for crabbing, diving, kayaking, paddle boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, water-skiing, or windsurfing. Florence is perfect for kite flyers’ and horseback riders as well. Horseback riding on the beach is available with C & M Stables. The equipment you need for most of these is available for rent at reasonable rates in Florence at Central Coast Water Sports.

A newcomer to Florence is the Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum. It was the brainstorm of Air Force veteran Sam Spayd that got the museum started. The museum, housed in an airplane hangar while the museum is under construction, already has displays that contain old rifles, posters, radio equipment, and authentic Nazi propaganda postcards with pictures of Hitler on them.

South of Florence is Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here you will find giant sand dunes, extending to nearly 500 feet high and almost 3 miles wide. The dunes go all the way from Florence to Coos Bay. You can take a dune buggy ride through the shifting sands or go horseback riding. Either way you will have an unforgettable experience.

Florence offers some incomparable activities. Come, explore, and enjoy!Article written by Mary Boyer

On the northwestern tip of Oregon you will find Warrenton on a finger of land between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. A small town of approximately 4,000 people, Warrenton has a several interesting attractions.

On the beach lies the Peter Iredale, a sailboat that shipwrecked over 100 years ago. Since it was possible to pull the boat out of the sand, it has remained where it became stuck. The ocean is slowly claiming the remains of the vessel. However, at low tide you can still walk up to the boat.

Battery Russell, a part of Fort Stevens was built and activated in 1904. It remained in use until the end of World War II. Battery Russell has the distinction of being one of the few places on the mainland of the United States to have been fired upon by the Japanese during World War II. There is no record of anyone being killed at Battery Russell, but there are many reports of ghost sightings there. There are even photographs that claim to show moving orbs and ectoplasmic masses. So, if you would like to see a scary ghost or two, check out Battery Russell.

For those who crave excitement, Warren offers two activities sure to get your heart pounding. How about trying paragliding? On Sunset Beach you can get training and fly either single or duo up to 3,000 feet above the beach and the ocean. For something a little less thrilling, you can take a Zip Line Tour. High Life Adventures provides a 2 ½ hour tour over thirty acres of breath taking scenery. Once you have on your safety gear, a harness, helmet, lanyard, and a trolley, you are hooked to a line. As you soar between 15′ – 60′ above seasoned timber, ponds, and a private lake, you will experience the one of the closest things to flying. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent.

If you enjoy playing gold, and can qualify, you can sign up to participate in the Annual Oregon Coast Invitational Amateur Match Play Tournament. You can enjoy yourself and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The proceeds from the tournament, now in its 102 year, go to fund a scholarship for local high school graduates to further their education. This year’s tournament began on July 21st and will end on July 28th. Some divisions fill up rapidly so you need up register well ahead of time.

Warrenton is an delightful place to visit. Being only about an hour’s drive from Portland, Portlanders can easily slip over for a day, or an afternoon.Article written by Mary Boyer

Like various other cities along the Oregon Coast, Tillamook (a Native American word meaning “land of many waters”) has a long and colorful history. Captain Robert Gray “discovered” Tillamook in 1788. Gradually settlers moved into the area and started farms. Historically the people who came here worked in timber, dairy, or the fishing industries. Today tourism is helping rejuvenate the city. With its beautiful beaches, parks, and other tourist attractions, Tillamook is well worth exploring.

The Three Capes Scenic Loop takes you to three different parks, each with its own special features. Cape Meares is home to Big Spruce, Oregon’s largest Sitka Spruce tree. It has a circumference of 58 feet, 11 inches, diameter of 18 feet, 9 inches and 191 feet in height. Cape Meares lighthouse was commissioned on January 1, 1890, and remained in use until 1963. The lighthouse is now open daily for touring and the site is wheel chair accessible. Also living in the park is the Octopus Tree, a Sitka Spruce that was carefully trained by Native Americans to form a multi-armed bowl. Over 250 years old the tree, called the Council Tree by Native Americans, was a sacred site where elders once made decisions and where shamans performed ceremonies.

The smallest of the three parks is Cape Kiwanda. It is the home of the Pacific Dory Fleet. The beach is a favorite for picnicking, kite flying, and watching the unbelievable action on the waves that crash against the rocks.

Cape Lookout is well-liked for its camping and hiking trails. From the lookout you have a wonderful view of the beach below. The walk to the beach is very easy. The rumor is this is one of the best beaches along the Oregon Coast for finding a glass float. The park also contains more than eight miles of hiking trails.

In addition to the natural beauty that surrounds Tillamook, there are many fun things to see and do inside the city. Tillamook County Pioneer Museum tells the story of Tillamook from prehistoric times to modern day. The museum has over 35,000 items plus roughly 10,000 photographs. The collection includes items such as Native American baskets, census records beginning in 1854, early cars, and numerous other interesting items.

Tillamook Air Museum, located inside a restored World War II Blimp Hangar, claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world! The museum houses more than 30 magnificent airplanes including a P-38 Lightning, F4U-Corsair, P51-Mustang, PBY Catalina and SBD Dauntless dive bomber. The museum gives rides in the planes on an ever changing schedule. If you are interested in a particular plane, you should call the museum before you come. The planes fly to airshows and are not always in residence. On Saturday, August 4, 2012, the museum will host Northwest Classics. There will be antique cars, motorcycles, and, of course, airplanes on display. The event will kick off with a pancake breakfast at 7 am. There show will also include live music and a beer and wine garden.

For natural beauty, history, and fun, there is no better place to visit than Tillamook! You’ll need lots of time if you want to become acquainted with Tillamook.